Is London or NYC Bigger?

By Robert Palmer

London and New York City are two of the most iconic cities in the world, with millions of people visiting each year to experience their unique cultures and attractions. However, when it comes to determining which city is bigger, there are a few factors to consider.

Population:
One of the most obvious ways to measure the size of a city is by its population. According to recent estimates, London has a population of approximately 8.9 million people, while New York City has a population of around 8.3 million people. Based on this metric alone, London would be considered bigger than NYC.

Geographic Area:
However, population is not the only way to measure the size of a city. Another important factor is geographic area.

According to data from the United Nations, London has a land area of roughly 1,572 square kilometers (607 square miles), while New York City has a land area of about 784 square kilometers (303 square miles). Based on this metric, London is still considered bigger than NYC.

Density:
It’s also worth considering population density when comparing the size of these two cities. While London may have more people and a larger land area than New York City, it’s also significantly less dense.

According to recent figures from World Population Review, London’s population density is around 5,590 people per square kilometer (14,470 per square mile), while New York City’s density is much higher at approximately 10,715 people per square kilometer (27,750 per square mile). This means that while London may be physically larger than NYC in terms of land area, it feels less crowded due to its lower population density.

Cultural Significance:
Another way to think about which city is “bigger” is by considering their cultural significance and global influence. Both London and New York City are major centers of art, finance, media, and politics, with a rich history and diverse population. While it’s difficult to quantify this metric objectively, many people would argue that NYC has a slightly larger global footprint than London due to its status as a hub for international business and media.

Conclusion

So which city is bigger – London or NYC? It depends on how you choose to measure “size”.

Based on population and land area alone, London is considered larger than NYC. However, if you consider population density or cultural significance, the answer may be less clear-cut. Ultimately, both cities are incredibly important and unique in their own ways, making them both worth a visit for anyone interested in exploring the world’s great urban centers.

References:

  • https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/population-by-country/
  • https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/urbanization/the_worlds_cities_in_2018_data_booklet.pdf
  • https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/london-population/
  • https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/new-york-city-population/